International Experience Canada

International Experience Canada is an excellent opportunity for young people to experience life and work in the Canadian context. It’s also an excellent way of seeing how different cultures can influence each other!

The International Experience Canada IEC program has been designed to help Canadians fill jobs with foreign workers who are needed due directly or indirectly. LMIA assessments will not be necessary when applying through one of our authorized programs. Temporary stays in Canada can last up to 1 year at most without renewals and depend on your employer’s needs as well.

The 2023 season for IEC Program is now open

The pools for the 2023 season are now open. You can create a profile once you ensure your eligibility for one of the 3 categories of this program

Eligibility Requirements For International Experience Canada IEC Program

Who can participate in International Experience Canada? The Candidates who participate in International Experience Canada must:

  • Possess citizenship (as a passport holder) in one of the aforementioned countries or reside in a territory with a bilateral Youth Mobility Arrangement with Canada.
  • Hold a valid passport that remains valid throughout the entire stay in Canada (the work permit duration will not exceed the passport’s validity).
  • Be aged between 18 and 30 or 35 at the time of application, with the upper age limit determined by the applicant’s country of citizenship.
  • Demonstrate possession of at least $2,500 CAD upon arrival to cover initial expenses.
  • Have the ability to acquire health insurance coverage for the entire duration of the stay in Canada, with participants required to provide evidence of this insurance upon entry to the country.
  • Meet the necessary criteria for admissibility to Canada.
  • Prior to departure, have a round-trip ticket or adequate financial resources to purchase a return ticket for the conclusion of the authorized stay in Canada.
  • Travel unaccompanied by dependents.
  • Fulfil all applicable fees.

Programs Of International Experience Canada

The IEC is a set of programs that countries can join. Each program has different eligibility criteria and application procedures, so it’s essential to know which one you are interested in before signing up. The three programs of IEC include:

1. Working Holiday Visa – IEC

“Working Holiday” offers participants the opportunity to obtain an open work permit, which remains valid for a period of one to two years. With an open work permit, individuals have the flexibility to seek employment with any Canadian employer across the entire country. It’s worth noting that the duration of stay in Canada may vary for nationals of different countries.

This program caters to individuals who meet the following criteria:

  1. Do not have a job offer in Canada.
  2. Aspire to work for multiple employers during their stay in Canada.
  3. Seek employment opportunities in various locations within the country.
  4. Desire to enhance their earnings to support their travel plans.

2. Young Professionals – IEC

Within the Young Professionals program, citizens from eligible nations can enrich their global experience by engaging in employment with a Canadian company. Those approved for this program will be granted employer-specific work permits.

This program is designed for individuals who:

  1. Hold a valid job offer in Canada for a paid position that fosters their professional growth.
  2. Intend to work exclusively for the same employer throughout their duration in Canada.

Prior to application, candidates must possess a duly signed job offer letter or employment contract from a Canadian employer which aligns with their professional advancement. The job being offered must fall under the National Occupation Code (NOC) Skill Type Level 0, A, or B.

3. International Co-op – IEC

The Global Co-op Internship Program facilitates a cross-border internship opportunity, enabling eligible individuals from participating countries currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution in their home country to partake in an internship program with Canadian companies. Successful applicants under this program will be granted an employer-specific work permit.

This program is designed for candidates who:

  1. Are currently enrolled at a post-secondary institution outside of Canada.
  2. Have received a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada, which is essential to fulfilling their academic requirements.
  3. Intend to work exclusively for the same employer throughout their stay in Canada.

All participants are required to arrange their co-op Internship with Canadian employers before initiating the application process.

What is an employer-specific work permit in Canada?

In Canada, an employer-specific work permit is a type of work permit that allows a foreign national to work in Canada for a specific employer, as indicated on the permit. It means that the individual is authorized to work only for the employer specified in the work permit application.

This type of work permit is different from an open work permit, which allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions (e.g., working in jobs that require a specific security clearance). With an employer-specific work permit, the foreign worker is tied to a particular job and employer, and any change of employer or job usually requires applying for a new work permit or an extension with the new employer.

Employer-specific work permits are commonly used when a Canadian employer has identified a foreign worker for a specific position and has received approval from the relevant Canadian authorities (such as Employment and Social Development Canada) to hire the foreign worker. The work permit will specify the employer’s name, the duration of employment, and other relevant conditions.

It’s essential for both the employer and the foreign worker to adhere to the terms and conditions specified in the work permit to comply with Canadian immigration regulations. If the foreign worker wants to change employers or jobs, they may need to apply for a new work permit or explore other avenues for staying and working in Canada legally.